Look to the Stars, But You May See a Satellite Instead

Since ancient times, the night skies have inspired people. Scientists looked up to the universe to figure out our place in it. 

This seemed fixed: stars dating to the start of time. 

But now, nearly 4,000 satellites fill the sky. They’ve been sent into space by private companies such as Amazon and SpaceX. The satellites provide internet service to people all over the Earth. 

One astronomer says people will see the satellites even in remote locations. 

In less than 10 years, scientists predicted, one of every 15 points of light in the night sky will actually be a satellite.

But it’s not just “light pollution” that worries scientists. The satellites, scientists say, will also affect astronomers' ability to see into space.

Few rules apply to satellites. NASA says they could make it much harder for scientists to see an asteroid. That's important because if it has Earth in its path, scientists can try to redirect it. 

Knowing about the asteroids in advance could help save the world.

Photo from Reuters.